Discreet has announced an expanded partnership with The Art Institutes, which has purchased 2,500 copies of Discreet's 3ds max 5 for use in its design and art schools throughout North America. Various Art Institutes across North America have recently launched a new Game Art & Design degree to capitalize on the ever-growing game development market. "Enormous industry acceptance and demand by our employers has led The Art Institutes to implement 3ds max 5 as the natural and optimal choice for our curriculum needs. We are excited to broaden our partnership with Discreet, and incorporate 3ds max across our many locations," said Rich Moore, assistant vice president of classroom technology, The Art Institutes. "Students want to walk away knowing what they learned in school will be applicable to the real world." Discreet's 3ds max software is used to develop hundreds of games worldwide including the forthcoming 2003 game titles DUNGEON & DRAGONS: HEROES; REPUBLIC: THE REVOLUTION; STARCRAFT: GHOST; and THE MATRIX.